BLACKPOOL ZOO RESCUES TINY TURTLES

BLACKPOOL ZOO has taken in 50 Southern Painted Turtles from Customs at Manchester Airport.The turtles were part of a larger consignment of reptiles which had been flown over from Florida and were intended for the pet market. Although the turtles were declared, the importers were unaware that this species needed a license.The turtles are as small as a 50 pence piece and are called Southern Painted Turtles (Latin name Chrysemys Picta) because of the markings on their backs. The turtles will grow up to 10 inches and can live up to 20 years in captivity.Keepers at Blackpool Zoo are carefully monitoring the turtles whilst they await instructions from Customs and Excise.